Applied Engineering Pathway

Applied Engineering Pathway Summary Concept

In Phase 1 of AP, STEM was identified as a pathway. After exploring multiples fields within STEM, applied engineering emerged as one of the most promising pathways for UNI. UNI will evolve and expand select offerings to take advantage of interests in engineering by focusing on applied fields. Some of these programs have already been identified by the Department of Technology. The growth in interest around engineering fields suggest we should better develop our market position by identifying additional majors to evolve into applied engineering programs.

Key Objectives

Identify additional existing and news majors to evolve into applied engineering programs
Leverage the new ITC building as a launch for the more targeted direction
Create mechanisms for applied engineering to integrate with other units on campus

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Objectives

Identify obstacles to achieving equity and inclusion in applied engineering
Address the obstacles with adaptive solutions
Recommend innovative strategies to enhance applied engineering at UNI for a diverse student and faculty body

Why this pathway

Among self-reported areas of interest from prospective students, general engineering was the fourth most common field of interest. Drilling down into those data, the most common response was still “engineering”. This is an example of the way students think of potential majors in terms of meta-fields. The primary competition in that state for engineering-related programs is Iowa State University which has a footprint in both engineering and engineering technology programs. However, market data suggest unmet demand among the fields leaving an opportunity to find and populate niche programs.

Because this work is already underway and led by the Department of Technology, Academic Positioning will provide a mechanism to elevate and accelerate the changes, while providing university-level guidance on the outcomes.

How this pathway will impact UNI

This pathway will primarily impact the department of technology, supporting Centers, and collaborative campus partners. They are already moving in this direction so the initiative should be seen as an endorsement and acceleration rather than a change in direction. Other areas of campus are encouraged to explore collaboration in applied engineering fields such as environmental engineering.

Data

Student Meta-Major Areas of Interest	Fastest Growing Occupations by Meta-Field	Market data on in-demand applied engineering majors, and top professions - focused on percent

Recombined market data from Stamats focused on absolute values	Background on Stamats Data